In dermatology, providing culturally sensitive care is essential for building trust and ensuring positive patient outcomes and doctor patient relationships, especially when serving Latinx communities. “Latinx” is a gender-neutral alternative to “Latina” or “Latino” that is commonly used today. This guide, created with Dr. Randy Jacobs-Garcia, a first-generation Mexican-American community dermatologist practicing in Riverside County, California, equips medical students and dermatologists with the foundational knowledge, language, and cultural insights necessary to deliver exemplary care to Latinx patients.
Understanding Cultural Context:
Latinx communities are diverse, encompassing a wide range of cultural traditions, beliefs, and language preferences. Recognizing and respecting this diversity is crucial for establishing effective communication and rapport with patients. Key cultural considerations include:
- Familismo: Latinx individuals often prioritize familial relationships and may involve family members in healthcare decisions. For example, family members may accompany the patient to their dermatology office appointments, even for routine visits. They often want to be informed and involved in the patient’s care. There may be multiple family members present at the visit, but usually, one family member is chosen to communicate with the others. For many Latinx patients, the doctor-patient relationship often extends to a doctor-family relationship.
- Respeto: Respect for authority figures, including healthcare professionals, is significant in most Latinx cultures. A Latinx person often looks up to their physician with utmost respect and typically has a friendly, unassuming acceptance of their doctor. Most Latinx patients easily bond with and remain loyal to their physician, and may also bond with one or two office nurses or medical staff. For clinics that manage the Latinx patients with more than one physician or nurse, it is important to explain to the patient the concept of a “medical team.” If the office does not explain that their providers “work as a team” (“Nosotros trabajamos en equipo”), then the patient may not feel completely assured in their care.
- Language Preferences: While many Latinx individuals are proficient in English, offering services in Spanish can enhance communication and improve patient satisfaction. It is also crucial to acknowledge that Spanish-speaking populations encompass various dialects and linguistic nuances, influenced by regional differences; however, basic conversational Spanish is helpful for all.
- Traditional Remedies: Some patients may incorporate traditional herbal remedies, folk cures, or cultural practices into their skincare routines. Understanding and respecting these practices can inform treatment plans and foster patient adherence. If any folk remedies are unhealthy, you can educate patients about healthier options. For example, as a child, Dr. Jacobs was taught to make mud from dirt and rub it on ant bites. We now know this may increase the risk of infection and should be advised against.
Common Dermatological Vocabulary:
Below is an expanded list of commonly used dermatological terms translated from English to Spanish, ranging from basic to more specialized terms:
- Acne – Acné
- Allergy -Alergia
- Bacteria – Bacteria
- Bald – Pelón
- Blister – Ampolla
- Burn – Quemadura
- Burned – Quemada
- Cancer – Cáncer
- Cellulitis – Celulitis
- Cyst – Quiste
- Dark skin – Piel morena / oscura
- Dermatitis – Dermatitis
- Dry Skin – Piel Seca
- Eczema – Eccema
- Eczema – Eczema
- Fungus – Hongo
- Hives – Urticaria
- Hyperpigmentation – Hiperpigmentación
- Infection – Infección
- Itching – Comezón
- Itching – Picazón
- Losing Hair – Pérdida de cabello
- Melasma – Melasma
- Pain – Dolor
- Psoriasis – Psoriasis
- Pus – Pus
- Pustule – Pústula
- Redness – Enrojecimiento
- Rosacea – Rosácea
- Scale – Escama
- Scar – Cicatriz
- Skin – Piel
- Swollen – Hinchada
- Tumor – Tumor
- Urticaria – Urticaria
- Virus – Virus
- Vitiligo – Vitiligo
To provide culturally competent care to Latinx patients, dermatologists should prioritize the following:
- Language Access: Offering bilingual services, providing written materials in Spanish, and utilizing interpreter services when necessary can improve patient understanding and satisfaction.
- Respect for Modesty: Many Latinx patients may feel uncomfortable disrobing or discussing sensitive topics regarding private areas of their body. Ensuring privacy, offering modesty garments, and practicing cultural humility can help alleviate anxiety.
- Community Engagement: Building partnerships with community organizations, participating in outreach programs, and offering culturally tailored educational resources can improve access to dermatological care and promote health equity within Latinx communities.
This guide serves as a valuable resource for dermatologists and medical students committed to providing exemplary care to Latinx individuals and promoting health equity within their communities. By embracing cultural competence and understanding the diverse needs of Latinx patients, we can enhance patient trust, improve communication, and ultimately deliver better outcomes.
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